Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

Bill 119 HR 2180, also known as the "Inspectors General Empowerment Act," aims to ensure that Inspectors General (IGs) are able to continue their important oversight work even during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations.

The bill authorizes IGs to retain essential staff and continue their operations during such periods, ensuring that they can still investigate waste, fraud, and abuse within government agencies. This is crucial for maintaining accountability and transparency in government operations, even when funding is temporarily unavailable.

In addition to allowing IGs to continue their work during funding lapses, the bill also includes provisions to strengthen the independence of IGs and enhance their ability to access information and resources necessary for their investigations. This includes requiring agencies to provide timely and complete responses to IG requests for information, as well as prohibiting agencies from interfering with IG investigations. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2180 is aimed at ensuring that Inspectors General are able to fulfill their important oversight responsibilities, even in challenging budgetary circumstances. By empowering IGs to continue their work during funding lapses and enhancing their independence and access to information, the bill seeks to uphold accountability and integrity within the federal government.